How to Dry Natural Hair

Use a blow dryer on medium heat when drying natural black hair.

African Americans have hair that tends to be more prone to damage than other types of hair. Natural hair refers to African American hair that has not been relaxed or straighten--it's the natural hair texture. There are different types of black hair, but it is generally curly and porous. African American hair must be treated with care, especially when using heat styling products. Otherwise, it will be irreparably damaged. Maintaining moisture in the hair is critical. Thus, when drying natural hair, be cautious.

Things You'll Need

• Heat protector
• Wide-tooth comb
• Large clips
• Oil sheen spray

Instructions

1. Use a towel to blot excess water out of the hair. Gently press the towel on the hair rather than rub it. Do this all over your head.

2. Apply a heat protector to the hair. There are different types, including cream, spray and serum. Choose a cream one if possible, as they are more moisturizing. After applying it, start at the ends of your hair and use a wide-tooth comb to comb the heat protector through your hair gingerly.

3. Part the hair into four sections. Use large clips to secure each section. If your hair is thick, you may need five or six sections.

4. Hold the blow dryer eight inches away from the hair, and start drying one section in the front of your head. The blow dryer should be on a medium heat setting. While drying the hair, run your fingers through the section. Continue doing the same thing while moving around your head until all of the sections are done.

5. Once you are done drying the hair, apply cold air from the blow dryer all over your hair. This helps the hair hold on to moisture and also makes it shiny. Spray a light mist of oil sheen on the hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the blow dryer in constant motion so that you don't end up burning the hair.

References

• Black Women Beauty Central: How to Blow Dry Hair Step by Step
• Beauty Den: Caring for Black Hair